Variations in the Blood and Tissue Chemistry of Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, Subsequent to Handling, Anesthesia, and Surgery

Abstract

Modifications in blood and tissue chemistry of brook trout have been followed during their recovery from handling, tricaine methanesulphonate (Ayerst "Finquel") anesthesia, and experimental preparation. The recovery process was characterized by alterations in the hematological characteristics of the animals, a marked and persistent condition of hyperglycemia, and changes in plasma, tissue and estimated cellular ion concentrations, and equilibrium potentials. Water content remained relatively stable, although variations in distribution took place. The short-term changes observed appeared to be correlated in time with the clearance of anesthetic from the animals, and possibly with a sequence of cardioventilatory-renal reflex responses induced by vascular hypoxia (or hypercapnia). More presistent changes are believed to be related to generalized endocrine responses to the traumatic character of the procedures employed.

Effects of chemical contaminants on blood chemistry of teleost fish: A bibliography and synopsis of selected effects

“…Ranges for serum chloride values in Oncorhynchus have been reported from 112 to 144 meq/L [65, 69,70,74,80,83,84]. There were no apparent sex, age, or seasonal influences on the reported values.…”

“…At least one study with juvenile rainbow trout has shown seasonal differences, with the highest values reported in November and the lowest in March [81]. Values reported for brook trout (1.8-4.4 meq/L) [73,74,82] and brown trout (1.7-2.2 meq/L) [ 161 were at or below the lower limit for Oncorhynchus. Means for serum potassium did not vary significantly in striped mullet (1.7-3.0 meq/L) or pinfish (1.8-4.4 meq/L) over a 16-month period t781.…”

Dorsal aorta catheterization in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). II. Glucocorticoid levels, hematological data and resumption of feeding for five days after surgery

“…In order to assess some consequences of the handling, anesthetic and surgical procedures involved in the technique and to evaluate the recovery period, various blood parameters such as the hematocrit, hemoglobin content, electrolyte and glucose concentrations have been recorded in cannulated fishes (Houston et al, 1969 and1971b ;Soivio et at., 1972Soivio et at., , 1975Soivio et at., , 1977. Some indicators (e.g.…”

“…Secondary stress effects (e.g. glucose) may be a help in assessing the condition of the fish a few days after cannulation, but only mean data have been published on this subject (Houston et al, 1971b) (Zohar, 1980 ;Bry, unpublished According to our results, an absolute glucocorticoid value is not always a reliable indicator for the overall condition of the fish ; for example, female D exhibited moderate glucocorticoid levels (16-35 ng/ml) at 30 min, 6 h, day 1 and day 5 after cannulation while constantly refusing food. On the other hand, female E resumed feeding at 6 h when the glucocorticoids were still at their maximum (120 ng/mi).…”

Clinical tests in aquatic toxicology: state of the art

“…Barnhart (6) showed that diet, strain, and age affected hematological characteristics of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Also, the stress of handling, anesthesia, and various methods of capture significantly altered blood characteristics in salmonids (7)(8)(9). These studies illustrated that normal or baseline concentrations of hematological and tissue constituents in fish are difficult to determine and are a major obstacle facing the aquatic toxicologist attempting to develop diagnostic tests.…”